Local author writes ‘Raw; One Woman’s Journey through Love, Loss, and Cancer’

March 26, 2014

America has a very disturbing dirty little secret; housewives are six times more likely to get dumped shortly after their diagnosis of cancer. The sobering reality is the divorce rate is 21 percent for cancer-stricken wives, compared to 3 percent when husbands get ill. Indeed, research suggests that 'in sickness and in health' could be a lopsided vow. In the summer of 2010, Fiona Finn was abandoned during her fight against stage III colon cancer, thus becoming just another statistic. At first, she felt the enormous impact of losing spousal support and found it extremely difficult to complete therapy. As she forged forward towards remission, she realized she'd found a cause worth fighting for.

Since, Finn, a Fort Myers Beach resident did not want to become just another victim, she decided to fight back, get involved and make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Finn says she feels blessed to motivate others, to continue pressing forward through their hardships and find meaning in their lives amidst cancer chaos. For her, cancer and divorce became blessings in disguise. It was during chemotherapy that she discovered the gift of writing. At first, she would journal the fact that she was hurting, crying and having a difficult time dealing with her illness, and raising her children alone. As one of nearly 14 million cancer survivors, she understands and empathizes with all those who feel stuck under the darkest clouds waiting for a ray of sunshine or hope that they are not alone. What she offers is a simple dose of encouragement, from someone who has fought the fight against cancer, and lived to tell their survival tale.

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The book is not just an explosive tell-all but a very thoughtful attempt by Finn to submit to all of her sorrow, fear, and anger. "Raw" is not refined or candy coated but a shocking retrospection that leads to inner strength and survival.

Get your signed copy of "Raw" Saturday, April 5, at Barnes & Noble, 13751 Cleveland Ave., in Fort Myers. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the books benefits ACS.